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Stone Column Entryway Derek and Dean build granite stone columns with bluestone caps to create a grand backyard entry. From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-302

(Continued from page 1)

Before you set any stone, you'll need to build a skeletal structure for your columns. To do this you'll need 8-inch cement bricks, mortar, and wall ties.

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Figure E
Figure F

Mark the Outlines

• Begin by re-marking your 16-inch square with chalk on the dry footing (figure E). The easiest way to do this is to use your square and tape measure. Start square from the nylon string and measure up 16 inches and over 16 inches all the way around the square. Make sure your outline is exactly square before moving on.

• Next, you need to establish a starting point for the brick skeletal structure.

• Measure four inches from each side of the outline towards the center to create an eight-inch square inside the 16-inch square (figure F). This will leave four inches on either side for you to set your veneer work.
  

  	Figure G
  	Figure H
  	Figure I

You will need mortar for your bricks. Dean and Derek recommend using a two-to-one ratio of two parts mason sand to one part mortar. Mortar is not friendly to your lungs, so make sure to wear a mask during this step. Thoroughly combine the mixture while it is dry with a hoe with holes. The more evenly the sand and mortar are mixed, the better your mortar will turn out. Add just enough water to this mixture to make it thick and sticky like oatmeal.

Set Brick Columns

• Once the mortar is mixed, you are ready to build the brick skeleton. Use your trowel to scoop some mortar onto the eight-inch square inside your column outline (figure G).

• Lay two bricks side-by-side inside the square, using the chalk outline as a guide, and tap them lightly onto the mortar. Use your level to make sure they are plumb and level on top (figure H).

• Continue building your skeletons up with a quarter inch of mortar between each row of two bricks. Make sure to rotate your bricks a quarter turn on each level to add strength. It is not important that they look nice since they will be hidden by the stone veneer.
  

  Figure J
  Figure K

• Install wall ties into the brick work between every third or fourth row (figure I). This is done to add strength to the skeletons. Just bend them over and lay them in the mortar between rows of brick. These wall ties will help the stones adhere to the brick skeleton.

• Check the plumb and level of the bricks as you build up the structure (figure J).

• The brick structures are finished when they measure 3-1/2 feet tall (figure K).

If you plan to put lights on top of your columns, simply snake some conduit pipe through the brick as you build up your skeletons. Once you're finished with your columns, you may want to hire an electrician to wire up your lights for you. Just remember not to use a solid stone cap on top of your columns or your conduit pipe will be trapped inside!

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